1956 US Marine Corps PFT Order

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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
WASHINGTON 25 D C.

MCO 6100.3
A03C-wrb
9 Aug 1956

MARINE CORPS ORDER 6100J3 '

Subj: Physical Fitness

(a) Chapter 17, MarCorMan, 1949 Wl' Wr/i/M

(b) Chapter 24, MarCorMan, 1949

(c) MCO 1710. 1

(1) Physical Readiness Test

1. Purpose. References (a), (b) and (c) contain the general policy
of the Marine Corps as it pertains to physical conditioning and ath-
letic activities. The purpose of this order is to amplify the instruc-
tions contained in the above references and to provide guidance for
the development and maintenance of individual physical fitness as a
major factor in the combat readiness of the Corps.

2. Background. The physical fitness problem in the Marine Corps
relates to:

a. Development of adequate fitness in new officer and enlisted
input. This task has become recently more important due to the
general lower physical fitness on the part of our nation's youth.
Recruits and officer candidates alike must be carefully brought up
to Marine Corps' standards of physical fitness. This is a responsi-
bility of the Commanding Generals of the Recruit Training Commands
and the Commandant, Marine Corps Schools.

b. Maintenance of physical fitness on the part of career officers
and noncommissioned officers. There is a distinct tendency toward
gradual decrease in physical fitness standards on the part of career
officers and enlisted personnel. This condition is most evident in
the case of personnel occupying sedentary billets such as those typical
of headquarters elements. It has also been noticed in the case of some
Fleet Marine Force units.

c

MCO 6100. 3
9 Aug 1956

This condition is reflected in obesity, poor posture, and general
physical inability to perform the more rigorous tasks of combat.
It generates a tendency to avoid rugged or strenuous training.

c. Obesity. Obesity is not only an indication of poor physical
condition but a reflection upon the individuals concerned and upon
the Marine Corps. Proper dieting under the advice of a medical
officer is the best way to correct this condition. Particular emphasis
must be given to its elimination.

3. Relationship to Command Responsibility. Low standards of
physical fitness, poor posture, and obesity are a reflection upon
the command concerned. Correction of such deficiencies requires
constant supervision.

4. Action. The following steps can be taken to correct this situation:

a. Training. Training programs must be carefully designed to
take full advantage of this primary means for developing physical
fitness, and to increase and emphasize the physical ability of the
Marine. Through the conduct of vigorous and realistic training,
the endurance and fighting qualities which are so essential to the
Marine Corps can be highly developed.

b. Intramural Athletics. Command encouragement with maximum
officer and noncommissioned officer participation is necessary to en-
sure the success of this program. The intramural athletic .program

of a command should be considered second only to training as the best
means for developing physical fitness. A well organized and active
intramural athletic program will do much for the physical, mental,
and social well-being of the individual Marine as well as enhance the
morale of the command.

c. Military Field Days. Military field days are considered to be
an excellent means for developing unit esprit, aggressiveness, team-
work, etc. , in addition to the attached recreational and physical
conditioning aspects. Commanders should encourage this type of
activity within their commands.

d. Individual Physical Conditioning. Almost all Marine Corps
activities have facilities available to promote individual participation

2

MCO 6100.3
9 Aug 1956

in athletics and physical conditioning. The use of these facilities
should be strongly encouraged. Use of time during the regular
working week for individual participation in athletics should be
considered as a means for promoting and encouraging the develop-
ment of physical fitness. It is important that all Marines be made
aware of the fact that their physical fitness is a personal responsi-
bility and is a reflection of their combat readiness*

e. Medical Examination. The medical examination is an
accurate means for determining an individual's physical condition.
The staff medical officer should be consulted in the planning and
execution of programs particularly designed to foster physical
fitness. Commanding Officers should be alert to detect personnel
in their commands who are obviously not physically fit and order
such personnel to consult the medical officer. Many such con-
ditions can be remedied by proper medical care before they become
serious.

f. Physical Readiness Test. To assist in achieving and main-
taining a satisfactory condition of physical fitness, a Physical
Readiness Test is provided, as enclosure (1), as a guide for
Commanding Officers in measuring physical readiness. Although
certain Marines, by reason of rank and age, are excluded from
this test, all are expected to maintain the highest possible level

of physical fitness. Annual inspections by the Inspector General
will verify the general physical condition of commands based on
appearance, testing of individuals using test items included in
enclosure (1), and the measures used by the command to encourage
and develop physical fitness.

5. No one program or means will suffice for the development of
high standards of physical fitness in the Marine Corps. All. pro-
grams must receive close command attention, supervision, and
encouragement. Further, all Marines must recognize the import-
ance of maintaining high standards of physical fitness and its
relationship to their professional fitness.

MCO 6100.3
9 Aug 1956

6. Reserve Applicability. This Order is not applicable to the
Marine Corps Reserve.

V. E. MEGEE
Lieutenant General, U. S. Marine Corps
Acting Commandant of the Marine Corps

DISTRIBUTION: "A"

OFFICIAL:

Directives Control Officer

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADOUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
WASHINGTON 25. D. C.

MCO 6100-3 CH 1

A03C-Jtk

2 Jan 1957

MARINE CORPS ORDER 6IOO.3 CH 1
SubJ: Physical Fitness

1. Purpose • To promulgate Change No. 1 to Marine Corps Order 6100-3-

2. Action,

a. Add new paragraph 6 as follows:

6. Applicability. The physical readiness test provisions of
this order are not applicable to Women Marines.

b. Renumber present paragraph 6. to paragraph 7«

BY COMMAND OF GENERAL R. McC. VkTE

V. E, tfEGEE
Lieutenant General, U. S. Marine Corps
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps

DISTRIBUTION: nAn

OFFICIAL:

Captain, U. S. Marine Corps
Directives Control Officer

MCO 6100.3
9 Aug 1956

DESCRIPTION
OF

METHOD AND PROCEDURES
FOR
CONDUCTING
PHYSICAL READINESS TEST

ENCLOSURE (1)
to MCO 6100.3

MCO 6100.3
9 Aug 1956

PHYSICAL READINESS TEST

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Physical Readiness Test is to determine whether
a Marine meets a minimum standard of physical readiness. Further, it
is intended to motivate the individual Marine to achieve and maintain a
satisfactory condition of physical fitness.

2. PERSONNEL TO BE TESTED

a. All Marines below the rank of colonel and under forty years of
age except as noted in paragraph 4 below may be required to take the
test.

b. The test is the same for all personnel except for the running
events. Personnel over thirty and under forty years of age are required
to run /jog a half mile - no time limit. Personnel thirty years of age and
under are required to run a quarter of a mile for time.

3. TESTING PERIODS

The test may be administered as prescribed by local commanders.

4. PREPARATION FOR THE TEST

Regular periods of physical conditioning should be conducted prior
to testing in order to prepare the individual for the test and to reduce
the chances of possible injury. Conditioning periods should be organized,
held at regular intervals, and designed to meet the test requirements. A
minimum of six or seven one hour periods within two weeks is recom-
mended prior to testing. This preparatory time may be reduced as
indicated for personnel whose military training provides adequate con-
ditioning. Further, a medical screening process by a Medical Officer
prior to testing is mandatory in order to detect personnel with physical
handicaps who may be exempt from all or part of the test.

5. EQUIPMENT FOR TEST

The equipment for this test is simple and available to all Marine Corps
activities. The following is the equipment needed to conduct the test:

(1) Individual Test Cards (Sample attached as Appendix I).

1

ENCLOSURE (1)
to MCO 6100.3

MCO 6100.3
9 Aug 1956

(2) Stop watch or watches*

(3) Chinning bar/s (8! off deck).

(4) Measured track or field (1/2 mile/440 yards).

(5) Measuring tape.

6. INSTRUCTORS

Officer instructors should be assigned where available, otherwise
NCOs may be assigned. The number of instructors and assistants re-
quired may be determined according to local requirements. It is con-
sidered, however, that one instructor and five assistants can conduct
the test for fifty men in a period of two and one half hours. The instructor
and his assistaits should be thoroughly prepared to conduct the test, in-
cluding ability to demonstrate each test item,

7. UNIFORM FOR TEST

If part, or all, of the test is conducted indoors, shorts, athletic
supporter and shoes (field or gym) should be worn. If outside, and
weather permits, the same uniform should be worn. If weather is
inclement or cold additional clothing as necessary should be prescribed.

8. CONDUCT OF THE TEST

The test should be conducted in a military manner. Adequate rest
periods between events (tests) should be provided.

9. RECORDING TEST RESULTS

Sample test cards for individuals are attached as appendix 1 and
a sample chart for units to record unit physical readiness is attached
as appendix 2.

10. TESTS AND DESCRIPTIONS
a. TEST 1 - Chin-ups.

EQUIPMENT - Chinning bar 8 ! off the deck.

ENCLOSURE (1)
to MCO 6100.3

2

MCO 6100.3
9 Aug 1956

DESCRIPTION OF TEST: Individual jumps to a still hang on the
bar with an over- grip, i. e. , palms forward. Hangs full length with elbows
straight. On command "begin" palls up until chin is over the bar but not
touching or resting on it; immediately lowers to full hang position with
elbows straight and repeats process. Snapping and kicking of feet and
swinging of body are not allowed.

SATISFACTORY SCORE: 3 chin-ups.

b. TEST n - Push-ups

EQUIPMENT - none required.

DESCRIPTION OF TEST: Individual takes a prone position face
down, body straight, toes together, hands directly below the shoulders
with the arms straight and vertical. On command ,!begin!! bends the
elbows keeping the body straight, until the chin touches the floor or
ground. Immediately straightens the arms until elbows are locked. Re-
peats process. All push-ups are done with the arms. Use of hips, legs
or knees to assist is not allowed.

SATISFACTORY SCORE: 21 Push-ups.

c. TEST III - 2 Minute Sit-Ups

EQUIPMENT - None,

DESCRIPTION OF TEST: Individual lies flat on his back, legs
extended, feet together and fingers interlocked behind neck. One man is
required to hold feet of man being tested in position throughout this test.
On command "begintf sits up, leans forward, touches right elbow to the
left knee and returns to original position. On the next sit-up touches left
elbow to right knee and thereafter continues to alternate, completing as
many sit-ups in two minutes as possible. Credit for one sit-up is given
each time the individual returns to the starting position. Slight bending
of the knees is not disqualifying.

SATISFACTORY SCORE: 25 sit-ups in 2 minutes.

d- TEST IV - 1 minute squat thrusts

EQUIPMENT - None.

DESCRIPTION OF TEST: Individual stands at position of at-
tention. On command "begin" drops to a crouchsitting position (knees
parted, elbows inside the knees, buttocks touches the calves of legs,

ENCLOSURE (1)
3 to MCO 6100.3

MCO 6100.3
9 Aug 1956

and palms of hands on the deck). From this position thrusts both feet
backwards to same position used for push-ups. Immediately jumps
both feet forward to crouch-sitting position. From here returns to
position of attention. Repeats process completing as many squat
thrusts as possible in .one minute. Full position of attention, and full
backward extension of legs must not be cut short.

SATISFACTORY SCORE: 15 Squat Thrusts in one minute.

e. TEST V - Standing broad jump.

EQUIPMENT - Measuring tape.

DESCRIPTION OF TEST - Individual takes position at starting
line. On command "jump" jumps forward as far as possible. Measure-
ment is made from starting position to point where rear-most heel
touches the ground. Each individual is allowed three attempts. Running
start is not permitted.

SATISFACTORY SCORE: 6 foot jump.

f« TEST VI - 50 yard duck waddle.

EQUIPMENT - None.

DESCRIPTION OF TEST - Individual takes position at starting
line. Assumes full deep-knee bend position with hands on hips. On
command "begin" walks forward for fifty yards. Buttocks must be
allowed no higher than knee level throughout test and hands must be kept
on hips. Once started there must be no stops or rest intervals.

SATISFACTORY SCORE - Duck waddle 50 yards without stopping.

g. TEST VE - Half mile run /or jog (No time limit).
EQUIPMENT - None.

DESCRIPTION OF TEST - This test is for personnel over thirty
(30) years of age and under forty (40) years of age. Individual takes
position at starting line and on command "begin" runs or jogs a distance
of a half mile without stopping.

SATISFACTORY SCORE - Ability to run or jog a half mile,
without stopping.

ENCLOSURE (1)
to MCO 6100.3

4

MCO 6100.3
9 Aug 1956

h. TEST Vin - 440 Yard Run.
EQUIPMENT - Stop Watch

DESCRIPTION OF TEST - This test is for personnel 30
years of age and under* Individual assumes running-start position
at starting line. On command "begin" runs a distance of 440 yards
for time.

SATISFACTORY SCORE: Run 440 yards in 75 seconds.

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5

ENCLOSURE (1)
to MCO 6100.3

MCO 6100.3
9 Aug 1956

PHYSICAL READINESS TEST

NAME

RANK

AGE

UNIT

TEST SCORE

PUSH UPS

CHIN UPS

2 MEN SIT UPS

SQUAT THRUST (1 min)

STANDING BROAD JUMP

DUCK WADDLE 50 YDS

HALF MILE RUN (No time limit)*

440 YD RUN (For time)**

* PERSONNEL OVER 30 and UNDER 40 YRS OF AGE
** PERSONNEL 30 YRS OF AGE AND UNDER

INSTRUCTOR

(Signature)

ENCLOSURE (1)
to MCO 6100.3

6

APPENDIX I

UNIT

PHYSICAL READINESS TEST CHART

NAME

RANK

AGE

Push

Ups

(21)

Chin

Ups

(3)

2 Min
Situps
(25)

1 Min
Squat
Thrusts
(15)

Standing
Broad
Jump
(6 ft)

Duck
Waddle
(50 yd)

Half
Mile
Run/
Jog

440 Yd
Run 75
Sec Tim
Limit

DOE, P.S.

MSgt

37

S

S

U

S

S

S

S

JONES, J, P. jTSgt

i

30

S*

S

S

S

s

S

S

SMITH, H.L.

Sgt

25

s

u**

s

S

s

S

S

o g NOTE:
So

2 £ * Satisfactory Score marked S in Blue,

g ** Unsatisfactory Score marked U in red. Appendix 2